Rotorua Lakes Council, Kawerau District Council, Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council have signed a Heads of Agreement committing to work together to investigate a joint operating model for delivering water services to their communities.
As part of the investigation into a joint operating model, a regional waters working group consisting of the four Mayors, Councillors and Chief Executives has been established supported by staff and technical expertise. This group meets monthly with programme progress reported to the Department of Internal Affairs quarterly.
The Waters Working Group provides the opportunity to explore the benefits of delivering the best future water services for our individual communities and also meet the infrastructure investment, water quality and financial sustainability
- This is an investigation, not a decision. Councils are exploring options and no decision has been made. If a joint model looks beneficial, councils would consult before any final decision is made.
- Councils will each engage with Iwi and key stakeholders along this journey to shape options and inform decision making.
A report is being prepared and is expected to be finalised in the middle of 2026. This report will outline the long term financial and non-financial savings and costs that would be associated with any potential move.
